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Between two words, should we choose the lesser or the most appropriate?
If the answer seems obvious, it is still necessary to be wary of deceptive appearances and pretenses.
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Take the preface and the introduction.
Both serve to present the following text, but the preface may very well be written by someone who is not the author of the book.
On the other hand, the introduction which serves to present the main themes of the book is already part of the work.
These are not synonyms but rather nuances, that is to say two words of the same nature marked by insignificant differences.
Good and bad habits
In this book, you will discover that one does not appreciate a steak for its tenderness but for its tenderness and that you will not bring wine to accompany it but that you will rather bring a few bottles.
You will also learn to beware of little chefs who want to scare people by brandishing their ferrule, preferring the crook which does not hurt.
It is therefore time to put your finger on the exact meaning of these pairs of words which, without having passed in front of the mayor, manage willy-nilly to live in good understanding while showing how common sense has made them evolve.
And if you, like everyone else, have good or bad habits, watch them closely before they turn into fads.
Extract from
Les nuances de la langue française.
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